News Release

New Grant Program Helping Communities Commemorate 400 Years of Francophone Presence in Ontario

Events Will Help Boost Tourism and Create Jobs

Ontario is celebrating four centuries of important cultural, social and economic contributions by the Franco-Ontarian community with the launch of its Ontario 400th Celebrations Program.

The program offers project-based funding to community organizations, municipalities and others to help plan local cultural and tourism events that commemorate the 400th anniversary of francophone presence in Ontario. The events will help boost tourism and create jobs, as visitors from across the province, Canada and the world join in the celebrations.

Investing in local communities is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four- part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.

Quick Facts

Up to $1.4 million is available to community organizations, municipalities and others to help plan events that recognize and celebrate the 400th anniversary of francophone presence in Ontario.

The deadline to apply to the Ontario 400th Celebrations Program is February 11, 2015, at 5 p.m.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“The Franco-Ontarian community has contributed extensively to the province’s heritage, culture and socio-economic development over the last 400 years. It is time to pay tribute to that legacy. Organizations that are planning to participate in the commemoration now have the opportunity to secure funding for their projects and contribute to the success of this historical milestone.”